Technical Field of the Invention
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The present invention relates to a sports boot, of the type comprising a shell made of a substantially rigid plastic material and a cuff also made of a substantially rigid plastic material and articulated to said shell, said boot being provided with an improved tightening system.
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In particular, the present invention relates to a sports boot of the above-described type comprising a tightening system that is particularly easy to operate by the user.
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The present invention may find application, for example, in the making of ski boots, both of the front-entry type and the central-entry or rear-entry type.
Prior Art
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According to prior art, ski boots usually comprise an inner liner made of a substantially soft material and an outer shell made of a substantially rigid material. The shell made of a substantially rigid material, shaped to accommodate a user's foot, is associated to a cuff, also made of a substantially rigid material and adapted to receive the user's ankle and lower leg portion.
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In the so-called front-entry ski boots, the shell has a longitudinal front opening which separates two shell flaps facing each other and can be brought from a closed configuration, in which the two flaps are close to each other, into an open configuration, in which said front opening is spread apart to allow the user's foot to be inserted into or taken out from the ski boot. Similarly, the cuff at its front portion is made in the form of two flaps which can be brought into a closed configuration, in which they are overlapped to each other and wrap around the user's ankle, or into an open configuration, in which they are away from each other to allow the user's foot to be introduced into or taken out from the ski boot, as well as to make the ski boot more comfortable when the user is walking and not skiing.
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In the so-called central-entry or rear-entry ski boots, the cuff is made up of two separate portions movable relative to each other, namely a front cuff and a rear cuff. The front and rear cuffs can be brought into a closed configuration, in which they are close to each other to tighten the user's ankle and lower leg portion, or into an open configuration, in which they are moved away from each other to allow the user's foot to be introduced into or taken out from the ski boot.
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In the so-called central-entry boots, both cuff portions are articulated to the shell separately and can rotate relative to the shell, moving close to or away from each other. In the so-called rear-entry boots, instead, the front cuff is substantially fixed relative to the shell and it is the rear cuff that is articulated to the shell and can rotate to be brought close to or away from the front cuff.
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Both in the so-called central-entry and in the so-called rear-entry boots, the shell may be closed or may have a central opening covered by a front tongue or flap, which can be brought close to the shell to close said central opening (closed configuration) or away therefrom (open configuration).
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In all the cases described above, ski boots have a tightening system configured to bring the shell and cuff into the closed configuration and keep them firmly in that configuration during sports practice.
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In particular, tightening systems are known from prior art which comprise one or more first traction cables guided on the outer surface of the ski boot shell by means of first guide elements fixed to said shell. Tensioning of said one or more first traction cable makes it possible to tighten the ski boot shell around the user's foot.
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In order to adjust the tensioning of said one or more first traction cables, known tightening systems currently used comprise a first winding mechanism provided with a knob, suitable to be gripped and turned by the user wearing the boot, and a rotor coupled to said knob: by turning the knob in a first direction, said one or more first traction cables are wound around the rotor, causing gradual tensioning of said first traction cables and the corresponding tightening of the shell around the user's foot; by turning the knob in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, said one or more first traction cables are unwound from the rotor, causing gradual loosening of said first traction cables and the corresponding releasing of the shell from the user's foot.
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Said tightening systems further comprise one or more second traction cables guided on the outer surface of the ski boot cuff by means of second guide elements fixed to said cuff. The tensioning of said one or more second traction cables makes it possible to tighten the ski boot cuff around the user's ankle.
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In order to adjust the tensioning of said one or more second traction cables, known tightening systems currently used comprise a second winding mechanism provided with a knob, suitable to be gripped and turned by the user wearing the boot, and a rotor coupled to said knob: by turning the knob in a first direction, said one or more second traction cables are wound around the rotor, causing gradual tensioning of said second traction cables and corresponding tightening of the cuff around the user's ankle; by turning the knob in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, said one or more second traction cables are unwound from the rotor, causing gradual loosening of said second traction cables and corresponding releasing of the shell from the user's ankle.
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A tightening system structured in this way advantageously allows for a gradual variation in the tension of the traction cables and therefore an accurate adjustment of the tightening of the ski boot shell and cuff.
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However, the tightening systems of the above-described type are not free from drawbacks. To bring the ski boot as a whole into the closed or open configuration, the user is in fact forced to act separately on the knob of the first winding device and on the knob of the second winding mechanism.
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In particular, handling of the knob of the first winding device, located on the shell, can be particularly uncomfortable, as said knob is located at a short distance from the ground and the user must bend down or lean over significantly to reach and grasp it.
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Furthermore, due to the fact that the knob of the first winding device is located at a short distance from the ground, it can quickly become covered in snow or ice during sports practice, thus making handling thereof even more difficult and less comfortable.
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These drawbacks, which are annoying for all users, can be particularly detrimental especially for beginner skiers.
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Therefore, an object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks described above, by providing a sports boot, in particular a ski boot, provided with a tightening system that is easy and convenient to use.
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Another object of the present invention is to provide a sports boot, in particular a ski boot, provided with a tightening system that, while being easy to use, allows for a gradual shifting from the open configuration to the closed configuration (and vice versa), thereby allowing adjusting the grade of tightening of the ski boot on the user's foot and ankle.
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These and other objects are achieved with a sports boot as claimed in the appended claims.
Summary of the Invention
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The sports boot according to the invention comprises a shell, made of a substantially rigid plastic material and shaped so as to accommodate a user's foot, and a cuff, also made of a substantially rigid plastic material and shaped so as to accommodate the user's ankle and lower leg portion.
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Said sports boot further comprises a tightening system allowing tightening the shell and cuff on the foot and, respectively, on the ankle of the user, or releasing said shell and said cuff from the foot and, respectively, from the ankle of the user, in particular to allow the user's foot to be inserted into or taken out from the ski boot.
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According to the invention, said tightening system comprises one or more traction cables, first guide elements arranged at the shell for guiding said traction cable or at least one of said traction cables along a path traced at said shell, second guide elements arranged at the cuff for guiding said traction cable or at least one of said traction cables along a path traced at said cuff, and a single tensioning mechanism capable of controlling the tensioning or releasing of said one or more traction cables.
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Thanks to the provision of a single tensioning mechanism, the user can advantageously act on a single actuating device to simultaneously bring both the shell and the cuff of the boot according to the invention into the open configuration or into the closed configuration.
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In preferred embodiments of the invention, said tensioning mechanism is arranged on the cuff of the sports boot, whereby it is particularly easy for the user to reach.
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However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, said tensioning mechanism may be arranged on the shell of the sports boot, if the circumstances or the specific configuration of the tightening system make it advisable.
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In preferred embodiments of the invention, said tensioning mechanism is a winding mechanism comprising a rotor on which said one or more traction cables can be wound or from which they can be unwound.
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However, in alternative embodiments of the invention, said tightening mechanism may have any other structure within the reach of the person skilled in art that allows tensioning or releasing said one or more traction cables.
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In a first embodiment of the invention, the tightening system comprises a single traction cable which is arranged on the sports boot according to an "open" path.
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In this first embodiment, a first end of the traction cable is fixedly connected to one of the guide elements (end guide element or cable terminal) and the second opposite end of the traction cable is connected to the tensioning mechanism, wherein the portion of the traction cable between the two opposite ends passes through the first and second guide elements.
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In a second embodiment of the invention, the tightening system comprises two different traction cables, each of which is arranged on the sports boot according to an "open" path.
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In this second embodiment, a first end of the first traction cable is fixedly connected to a first end guide element (first cable terminal) and the second opposite end of the first traction cable is connected to the tightening mechanism, wherein the portion of the first traction cable between the two opposite ends passes at least in some of the first and second guide elements. Similarly, a first end of the second traction cable is fixedly connected to a second end guide element (second cable terminal) and the second opposite end of the second traction cable is connected to the tensioning mechanism, wherein the portion of the second traction cable between the two opposite ends passes at least in some of the first and second guide elements.
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For example, in a possible configuration of said embodiment of the invention, a first end of the first traction cable portion is fixedly connected to a first end guide element selected from the first guide elements, and the portion of the first traction cable between the two opposite ends passes in the first guide elements arranged at the shell; a first end of the second traction cable is fixedly connected to a second end guide element selected from the second guide elements, and the portion of the second traction cable between the two opposite ends passes in the second guide elements arranged at the cuff.
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In a third embodiment of the invention, the tightening system comprises a single traction cable which is arranged on the sports boot according to a "closed" path.
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In this third embodiment, both a first end of the traction cable and a second opposite end of the traction cable are connected to the tensioning mechanism, and the traction cable portion between the two opposite ends passes in the first and second guide elements.
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In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the tightening system comprises a single traction cable which is arranged on the sports boot according to an "open" path.
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This fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the tensioning mechanism engages an intermediate portion of the traction cable: in this fourth embodiment, a first end of the traction cable is fixedly connected to a first end guide element, the second opposite end of the traction cable is connected to a second end guide element, and the traction cable portion between the two opposite ends passes in the first and second guide elements and in the tensioning mechanism.
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The embodiments described above can be applied both to front-entry sports boots and to central-entry or rear-entry sports boots.
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In the embodiments described above, the first and second guide elements can be arranged on the outer surface of the shell and, respectively, of the cuff of the sports boot. Alternatively, all or some of said guide elements could also be arranged on the outer surface of the shell and, respectively, of the cuff of the sports boot, where the specific application makes it advantageous or appropriate.
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In the embodiments described above, the first and second guide elements can be configured as simple return elements for the traction cable (or for one of the traction cables).
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Alternatively, one or more of said guide elements may have more complex configurations, capable of providing specific local functions to the tightening system.
Brief Description of the Drawings
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Further features and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the ensuing detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a front-entry type boot according to a first embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 2 shows a front-entry type boot according to a second embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 3 shows a front-entry type boot according to an alternative configuration of the second embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 4 shows a rear-entry type boot according to a first embodiment of the invention;
- Figures 5a and 5b show a rear-entry type boot according to an alternative configuration of the first embodiment of the invention;
- Figures 6a and 6b show a rear-entry type boot according to a second embodiment of the invention;
- Figures 7a and 7b show a rear-entry type boot according to an alternative configuration of the second embodiment of the invention;
- Figures 8a and 8b show a rear-entry type boot according to a third embodiment of the invention;
- Figures 9a and 9b show a rear-entry type boot according to an alternative configuration of the third embodiment of the invention;
- Figure 10 shows a rear-entry type boot according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
- Figures 11 - 13 show in detail possible configurations of a return element of the tightening system of a ski boot according to the invention.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
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In the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will be made to a ski boot.
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In particular, reference will be made to a front-entry ski boot (Figures 1 - 3) and a rear-entry ski boot (Figures 4 - 10).
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However, these embodiments should not be interpreted in a restrictive manner and the tightening system according to the invention could be applied to other types of sports boots, such as, for example, boots for inline roller skates.
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A front-entry ski boot 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1.
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In a manner known per se, the front-entry ski boot 1 comprises a shell 3, made of a substantially rigid plastic material and shaped so as to accommodate a user's foot, and a cuff 5, also made of a substantially rigid plastic material and shaped so as to accommodate the user's ankle and lower leg portion.
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The shell 3 has a longitudinal front opening 3a which separates two shell flaps 3b, 3c facing each other and can be brought from a closed configuration, in which the two flaps are close to each other, into an open configuration, in which said front opening is spread apart to allow the user's foot to be inserted into or taken out from the ski boot.
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The cuff 5 at its front portion is made in the form of two flaps 5a, 5b which can be brought into a closed configuration, in which they are overlapped to each other and wrap around the user's ankle, or into an open configuration, in which they are away from each other to allow the user's foot to be introduced into or taken out from the ski boot, as well as to make the ski boot more comfortable when the user is walking and not skiing.
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The front-entry ski boot 1 further comprises a tightening system 10 allowing tightening the shell and cuff on the user's foot and, respectively, on the user's ankle, or releasing said shell and said cuff from the user's foot and, respectively, and the user's ankle, in particular to allow the user's foot to be inserted into or taken out from the ski boot.
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In the shown embodiment, said tightening system 10 comprises a single traction cable 11, first guide elements 13 arranged on the outer surface of the shell 3 for guiding said traction cable 11 along a path on the outer surface of said shell, second guide elements 15 arranged on the outer surface of the cuff 5 for guiding said traction cable 11 along a path on the outer surface of said cuff.
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The single traction cable 11 is fixedly connected, at a first end thereof, to an end guide element 13' (cable terminal), which in the shown embodiment is selected from the first guide elements, follows a path on the shell and cuff of the ski boot 1 defined by the first and second guide elements 13, 15 and is connected, at a second opposite end thereof, to a winding mechanism 17 capable of controlling tensioning or releasing of said traction cable 11.
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In a manner known per se, the winding mechanism 17 may comprise a rotor suitable to wind or unwind the traction cable 11 in order to tension or, respectively, release it, and a knob that can be gripped by the user to actuate said rotor.
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Therefore, according to the invention, the user can advantageously act on the knob of the single actuating device to simultaneously bring both the shell and the cuff of the boot according to the invention into the open configuration or into the closed configuration.
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As shown in Figure 1, the winding mechanism 17 can be arranged on the cuff 5 of the ski boot 1, whereby it is particularly easy for the user to reach
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However, it may also be arranged on the shell of the ski boot.
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In that case, the traction cable end opposite to the one connected to the winding mechanism would be fixedly connected to an end guide element selected from the second guide elements, wherein said traction cable would follow a path on the shell and cuff of the ski boot between the winding mechanism and the end guide element.
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Each of the first and second guide elements 13, 15 can be configured as a simple return element for the traction cable 11.
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Alternatively, one or more of said first and/or second guide elements may have more complex configurations, capable of providing specific local functions to the tightening system.
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For example, it is possible to provide that the guide element includes a pulley on which the traction cable slides.
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By inserting a pulley, it is possible to locally multiply the force acting on the traction cable.
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Furthermore, it is possible to provide that the guide element may be separate from the ski boot, as shown in more detail in Figure 11.
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In this case, the guide element 13, 15 comprises a first portion 13a, 15a fixed to the surface of the shell or, respectively, to the surface of the cuff of the ski boot, and a second portion 13b, 15b in which the seat for the passage of the traction cable is formed, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the guide element are made in the form of separate elements removably coupled to each other.
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In this way, the second portion 13b, 15b of the guide element (and, with it, the traction cable) can be removed from the ski boot, for example, to allow for a greater opening of the shell or cuff and further facilitate the insertion of the user's foot into and extraction thereof from the ski boot.
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Furthermore, it is possible to provide that the guide element can be made so as to be able to locally modify the path of the traction cable, as also shown in more detail in Figure 12. In this case, the guide element 13, 15 comprises a base 13c, 15c fixed to the surface of the shell or, respectively, to the surface of the cuff of the ski boot and made in the form of a rack comprising a plurality of seats 13d, 15d for the traction cable 11; the guide element 13, 15 further comprises a lid 13e, 15e to firmly hold the traction cable in the selected seat 13d, 15d.
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Thanks to the rack-like configuration, by appropriately selecting the seat 13d, 15d accommodating the traction cable, it is possible to locally shorten or lengthen the path of said traction cable.
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Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the guide element can allow local tensioning or releasing of the traction cable without acting on the winding mechanism 17, as also shown in more detail in Figure 13.
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In this case, the guide element 13, 15 comprises a base 13f, 15f fixed to the surface of the shell or, respectively, to the surface of the shell of the ski boot, and a lever arm 13g, 15g hinged to the base 13f, 15f. The seat 13h, 15h for the traction cable is provided on the lever arm 13g, 15g in an offset position relative to the fulcrum thereof.
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Thanks to this configuration, by acting on the lever arm it is possible to allow local tensioning or releasing of the traction cable without acting on the winding mechanism 17. Turning now to Figure 2, said figure illustrates a front-entry ski boot 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.
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Said second embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment in that the tightening system 10 comprises two traction cables 11a, 11b.
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A first traction cable 11a is fixedly connected, at a first end thereof, to a first end guide element 13' (first cable terminal) selected from the first guide elements, follows a path on the shell of the ski boot 1 defined by the first guide elements 13 and is connected, at a second opposite end thereof, to the winding mechanism 17.
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Similarly, the second traction cable 11b is fixedly connected, at a first end thereof, to a second end guide element 15' (second cable terminal) selected from second guide elements, follows a path on the cuff of the ski boot 1 defined by the second guide elements 15 and is connected, at a second opposite end thereof, to the winding mechanism 17.
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The provision of two separate traction cables 11a, 11b, and in particular of a first traction cable acting on the shell 3 of the ski boot and a second traction cable acting on the cuff 5 of the ski boot, introduces an additional degree of freedom that allows for the tightening of the shell and the cuff to be differentiated, while still using a single winding mechanism. Figure 3 also shows a front-entry ski boot 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention.
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In the example of Figure 3, the winding mechanism 17 is arranged on the shell 3 of the ski boot rather than on the cuff. The structure and operation of the tightening system 10 are otherwise completely identical to those described with reference to Figure 2.
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Turning now to Figure 4, this figure shows a rear-entry ski boot 1' according to a first embodiment of the invention.
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In a manner known per se, the rear-entry ski boot 1' comprises a shell 3' and a cuff 5' that is divided in two separate portions movable relative to each other, namely a front cuff 5a' and a rear cuff 5b'.
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The shell 3' comprises a front opening and is correspondingly provided with a front tongue or flap 3a' connected, at its front portion, to the shell 3' and covering said front opening.
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The front cuff 5a' and the rear cuff 5b' are connected to the shell 3' separately and independently from each other: the front cuff 5a' is substantially fixed relative to the shell 3', whereas the rear cuff 5b' is articulated to the shell 3' in such a way as to be able to rotate to be brought close to or away from the front cuff.
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Also in the application to a rear-entry ski boot 1', the invention provides for a tightening system 10 allowing tightening the shell and cuff on the user's foot (in particular in the instep region) and, respectively, on the user's ankle, in particular to allow the user's foot to be inserted into or taken out from the ski boot.
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Also in this case, in the first embodiment shown in Figure 4, said tightening system 10 comprises a single traction cable 11, first guide elements 13 arranged on the outer surface of the shell 3' for guiding said traction cable 11 along a path on the outer surface of said shell, second guide elements 15 arranged on the outer surface of the cuff 5' (i.e., on the front cuff 5a' and/or on the rear cuff 5b') for guiding said traction cable 11 along a path on the outer surface of said cuff.
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The single traction cable 11 is fixedly connected, at a first end thereof, to an end guide element 15' (cable terminal), which, in the shown embodiment, is selected from the second guide elements (in particular from one of the second guide elements provided on the front cuff 5a'), follows a path on the shell and cuff of the ski boot 1' defined by the first and second guide elements 13, 15, and is connected, at a second opposite end thereof, to a winding mechanism 17 suitable to control tensioning or releasing of said traction cable 11.
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In a manner known per se, the winding mechanism 17 may comprise a rotor suitable to wind or unwind the traction cable 11 to tension or, respectively, release said tension cable, and a knob that can be gripped by the user to actuate said rotor.
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In the example of Figure 4, the winding mechanism 17 is arranged on the front cuff 5a' of the ski boot 1, in a lateral position particularly easy to reach for the user.
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However, it may also be arranged in other positions on the front cuff 5a' (for example in a front position), or even on the rear cuff 5b' (in a lateral or rear position), or on the shell 3' of the ski boot or on the front tongue or flap 3a'.
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In particular, Figures 5a and 5b shows an alternative configuration of the first embodiment of the invention, in which the winding mechanism 17 is arranged on the rear cuff 5b', in particular in a rear position. Correspondingly, the end guide element 15' (cable terminal) is preferably selected from one of the second guide elements provided on the rear cuff 5b'. The structure and operation of the tightening system 10 are otherwise completely identical to those described with reference to Figure 4.
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Also in the application to a rear-entry boot 1', each of the first and second guide elements 13, 15 can be configured as a simple return element for the traction cable 11. Alternatively, one or more of said first and/or second guide elements may have more complex configurations, capable of providing specific local functions to the tightening system, as described above.
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Compared to the application of the first embodiment of the invention to a front-entry ski boot (Figure 1), it can be noticed that in the application to a rear-entry ski boot, the cable terminal is preferably (though not necessarily) located on the same ski boot element that carries the winding mechanism and close thereto, whereas in the application to a front-entry ski boot the cable terminal is preferably (though not necessarily) located on a ski boot element other than the one carrying the winding mechanism and as far as possible away from it.
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Turning now to Figures 6a and 6b, these figures show a rear-entry ski boot 1' according to the second embodiment of the invention, in which the tightening system 10 comprises two traction cables 11a, 11b.
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Also in this case, the first traction cable 11a is fixedly connected, at a first end thereof, to a first end guide element 13' (first cable terminal) selected from the first guide elements, follows a path on the shell of the ski boot 1 defined by the first and/or second guide elements 13, 15 and is connected, at a second opposite end thereof, to the winding mechanism 17; a second traction cable 11b is fixedly connected, at a first end thereof, to a second end guide element 13" (second cable terminal) also selected from first guide elements, follows a path on the cuff of the ski boot 1 defined by the first and/or second guide elements 13, 15 and is connected, at a second opposite end thereof, to the winding mechanism 17.
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Figures 7a and 7b also show a rear-entry ski boot 1' according to a second embodiment of the invention.
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In the example of Figures 7a and 7b, the winding mechanism 17 is arranged on the rear cuff 5b' (in particular in a rear position) of the ski boot, whereas in the example of Figures 6a and 6b it is arranged on the front cuff 5a' (in particular in a lateral position) of said ski boot. The structure and operation of the tightening system 10 are otherwise completely identical to those described with reference to Figures 6a and 6b.
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Also in this case, compared to the application of the second embodiment of the invention to a front-entry ski boot (Figures 2 and 3), it can be noticed that in the application to a rear-entry ski boot, the two cable terminals are preferably (though not necessarily) located on the same ski boot element and close to each other, whereas in the application to a front-entry ski boot the two cable terminals are preferably (though not necessarily) located on different elements of the ski boot and as far as possible away from each other.
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Turning now to Figures 8a and 8b, these show a rear-entry ski boot 1' according to a third embodiment of the invention.
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In this third embodiment of the invention, the tightening system 10 comprises a single traction cable 11, first guide elements 13 arranged on the outer surface of the shell 3' for guiding said traction cable 11 along a path on the outer surface of said shell, second guide elements 15 arranged on the outer surface of the cuff 5' (i.e., on the front cuff 5a' and/or on the rear cuff 5b') for guiding said traction cable 11 along a path on the outer surface of said cuff.
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The single traction cable 11 is connected, at both its opposite ends, to a winding mechanism 17 suitable to control tensioning or releasing of said traction cable and follows a "closed" path on the shell and cuff of the ski boot 1' defined by the first and second guide elements 13, 15.
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Figures 9a and 9b also show a possible configuration of the third embodiment of the invention.
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In the example shown in Figures 9a and 9b, the winding mechanism 17 is located on the rear cuff 5b' (in particular, in a rear position), whereas in the example shown in Figures 8a and 8b, the winding mechanism 17 is located on the front cuff 5a'. The structure and operation of the tightening system 10 are otherwise completely identical to those described with reference to Figures 8a and 8b.
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Turning now to Figure 10, this shows a rear-entry ski boot 1' according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
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Said embodiment differs from the previous ones in the structure of the ski boot, in particular of the shell thereof.
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In the previous embodiments, the shell 3' comprises a front opening and is correspondingly provided with a front tongue or flap 3a'.
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In this fourth embodiment, instead, the shell 3' has a longitudinal front opening 3d' which separates two shell flaps 3b', 3c' facing each other and can be brought from a closed configuration, in which the two flaps are close to each other, into an open configuration, in which said front opening is spread apart to allow the user's foot to be inserted into or taken out from the ski boot.
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Also in this case, the cuff 5' is divided in two separate portions, namely a front cuff 5a' and a rear cuff 5b', which are movable relative to each other.
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A tightening system 10 of the type described and illustrated with reference to any of the previously described embodiments and variants can be applied to a ski boot having said general structure.
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It will be evident to the person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above have been given merely by way of example and that numerous modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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In particular, the features described with specific reference to the different embodiments can be combined with one another as long as they are not mutually exclusive.
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Similarly, features described with reference to the application to a front-entry ski boot must be considered as also being applicable in the application to a rear-entry ski boot whenever this is technically possible.
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For example, the different specific structures of the guide elements of the tightening system can be applied interchangeably to guide elements on the shell and cuff of a front-entry ski boot as well as to guide elements on the shell, the front cuff and the rear cuff of a rear-entry ski boot, depending on the specific requirements.
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Furthermore, although in the detailed description of embodiments of the invention reference has been made to a winding mechanism for tensioning or releasing the traction cable(s), tensioning mechanisms with different structures and operations (such as, for example, a ratchet mechanism) could also be used.
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Similarly, although in the detailed description of embodiments of the invention reference has been made to guide elements arranged on the outer surface of the shell and cuff, which guide elements define paths on the outer surface of said shell and cuff for the traction cable(s), it will be evident to the person skilled in the art that said guide elements could also be arranged in a different way and that the traction cable(s) could follow a path arranged in whole or part on the outer surface of the shell and, respectively, of the cuff.
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Finally, although in the detailed description of embodiments of the invention reference has been made to front-entry ski boots and rear-entry ski boots, it should be understood that the invention could equally be applied to other sports boots comprising a shell and a cuff made of a substantially rigid plastic material and connected to each other, such as, for example, central-entry ski boots, roller skate boots, and so on.